What we do
Life Cycle Refrigerant Management
Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM) is a comprehensive approach to responsibly managing refrigerants from production through to end of life, designed to minimise environmental harm and maximise resource efficiency. In Australia, this process begins with responsible purchasing and correct installation of refrigerants by licensed technicians, followed by proper maintenance, leak detection and recovery during servicing and decommissioning. Recovered refrigerants can be reclaimed or sent for responsible disposal.
This approach is underpinned by a nationally coordinated system led to ensure refrigerants are collected, handled and processed to the highest environmental and safety standards. By managing refrigerants across their entire lifecycle, LRM helps reduce emissions, prevent environmental harm, and supports Australia’s commitment to sustainable industry practices and climate responsibility.
Our success is built on strong partnerships with industry including licensed technicians, wholesalers, and refrigerant distributors who play a pivotal role in recovering and collecting refrigerants at end of life. RRA’s stewardship program uses technologies endorsed by the Montreal Protocol to ensure the safe destruction of collected refrigerants.
By working with industry, we foster a culture of accountability and innovation. Every kilogram of recovered refrigerant represents a collective step toward reducing harmful emissions and preserving the ozone layer
working with industry
Collaboration is at the heart of RRA’s operations.
Our partnerships with trade and industry stakeholders—technicians, wholesalers, and distributors—are key to the effectiveness of Australia’s refrigerant management practices. This unique model of shared responsibility enables us to align industry efforts with global environmental goals.
RRA actively engages with industry bodies and government to advocate for comprehensive refrigerant regulations, ensuring all voices are heard. Together, we champion practical, informed policies and practices that benefit both the environment and the HVAC&R sector. As part of our shared mission, we continue to support industry innovation and provide pathways for sustainable practices.
THE STEPS
Collection and Handling
Refrigerants are recovered by licenced technicians during system servicing or decommissioning and are delivered to over 500 collection points nationwide. Wholesalers consolidate small volumes into bulk for further processing.
Reclamation
Valuable refrigerants are analysed and reclaimed using specialised equipment to ensure they meet specific standards before being resold.
Analysis and Pre-treatment
RRA arranges the collection of bulk recovered refrigerants and transports them to specialised facilities, where the contents are analysed and pretreated for destruction.
Destruction
Using advanced technologies like the argon plasma-arc furnaces or modified cement kiln, RRA safely destroys harmful refrigerants, neutralising their impact on the ozone layer and global warming.